I love the sound of english

Trip Start Jun 25, 2008
1
4
22
Trip End Dec 17, 2008


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Where I stayed
Elis house
(Cochabamba hotels)

Flag of Bolivia  ,
Monday, June 30, 2008

I flew from la paz to cochabamba last night. Its scary when the checkin person keeps asking you a question and then after awhile says window seat? I had to pay an airport tax before getting on the plane and I went to the window and gave the guy 200 bolivianos cause thats what the sign said, he laughed at me and handed 100 back, and then laughed again when I tried to leave without my change from the hundred. It was only 14, two US dollars, I guess I read the wrong sign. I keep trying to find someone that will take advantage of the fact that I have no idea what I am doing, but I have not been able to yet. As a whole the bolivians are very kind, and honest people. It feels very safe. Even five days and understanding very little but straining my brain to find words I know has left me tired. My bolivian friend in the US called me yesterday and I almost cried to hear the voice of someone I knew. and someone I could understand. It feels very far away here. This morning I had good intentions to shower but its like 50 degrees if not less and no heating and a tricky shower in an all cold tile bathroom. Looks like my not showering for three months plan is going to work out just fine. The bed is made of foam and there was a fly in my soup, both faucets are red but neither has hot water. Actually it was so cold it burned. Okay ill write more later but I gotta run, I am going downtown with some classmates. More later
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locojhon
locojhon on Jun 30, 2008 at 06:18PM

Warnings
1. Next time, drink the coca tea--you will know it has been boiled and is safe(r). It is therapeutic.
2. Coca leaves/teas are not addictive--but Bolivia is--the things you noticed about the people, the incredible diversity of topography, climates, food and cultures can make you...well.. uhhh...not want to return to a place where a portion of every one of your tax dollars--not to mention your possible descendants'--will go forevermore to pay for killing innocent Iraqis, Afghanis, and likely soon--Iranians, not to mention its use for the intentional destabilization of Bolivia itself.
3. Apply for a permanent visa now--it takes quite a while to process--and an expert lawyer can help prevent entanglement in the bureaucratic nightmare, by insuring that the 'i' is dotted and the 't' is crossed so as to expedite the process. (Choose wisely, as some are (like in the US)--crooks.)
4. Don't be careless--there are some very bad and dangerous people lurking around--many are from neighboring countries, and kidnapping does happen to the obvious-wealthy or the obviously-gringa whose parents might just possibly have ransom $$$ enough to put them on easy-street for the foreseeable future.
5. OTOH, don't let #4 make you paranoid either. Take care, relax and enjoy the ride while you learn. And remember--visiting Bolivia with your wonderful mind-set can be dangerously addictive--and can have unexpected side-effects (like wanting to stay there). You have been warned!
Keep blogging,,,you are a fun read.
Regards,,,John

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